Wireless communication system and method for photographic flash synchronization

ABSTRACT

A system and method for controlling one or more remote photographic flash devices from a camera body. Wireless functionality within a camera body provides wireless communication of a signal from within the camera body to one or more remote devices. In one example, a flash synchronization signal of the camera body may be wirelessly communicated using a wireless communication functionality within the camera body and an external antenna to one or more remote flash devices for triggering the one or more remote flash devices.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/529,203, filed Sep. 27, 2006, entitled “Wireless CommunicationActivation System and Method,” now allowed, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/305,668, filed Dec. 16, 2005,entitled “Wireless Communication Activation System and Method,” now U.S.Pat. No. 7,133,607, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/306,759, filed Nov. 26, 2002, entitled “WirelessCommunication Module,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,016,603, each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of wirelesscommunication. More particularly, the present invention is directed to awireless communication system and method for photographic flashsynchronization.

BACKGROUND

In the field of photography, remote lighting for photography can bedifficult, especially for outdoor shots. Photographing a building orother outdoor scene presents a significant challenge when the lightsmust be close to the building or scene and the camera must be furtheraway to take in the entire building or scene. In certain situations,cables are used for remote photography lighting. However, because it istypically illegal to string cables across a public street, the use ofcable is often not practical. Even if it is possible to use cables, itis not preferred because they are heavy, unwieldy, and tangle easily. Inaddition, the cables must be hidden from view in the photograph.

As a result of the difficulties encountered using cables with remotephotography lighting, various remote control devices utilizing multiplewireless technologies have been developed to remotely controlphotography equipment such as flashpacks and secondary cameras. Infrared(IR), cellular, light pulse, and radio frequency (RF) are some examplesof wireless technologies employed in prior art devices. One particularlyeffective system is the PocketWizard® MultiMAX™ designed by Lab PartnersAssociates Inc. of South Burlington, Vt. The PocketWizard® MultiMAX™ isan intelligent device that utilizes RF technology with a fullyprogrammable transceiver. Much of the technology incorporated in thedesign of the PocketWizard® MultiMAX™ is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,359,375, which is incorporated by reference as if fully disclosedherein, issued to Clark on Oct. 25, 1994.

Typically, prior art devices require the connection of a transmitter,receiver, or transceiver to the exterior of a camera. The attachment ofa transmitter, receiver, or transceiver to the exterior of a camera orother device increases the weight of the device and can make the devicedifficult to handle. In addition, the attached device is often easilydamaged. However, the only way to provide existing devices that were notoriginally designed to include remote control functionality with suchfunctionality is to attach a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver tothe exterior of the device. Thus, in order to provide remote controlfunctionality to existing devices, a separate transmitter, receiver, ortransceiver must be attached to the exterior of the device body as inthe example of a camera described previously.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment, a wireless communication system and method isprovided wherein a camera has remote control functionality. In oneexample, the camera is originally designed to have remote controlfunctionality. In another example, the camera is specifically designedto have remote control functionality.

In another embodiment, a method for controlling one or more remotephotographic flash devices from a camera body is provided. The methodincludes electrically receiving a flash synchronization signal internalto the camera body; using the flash synchronization signal to generatewithin the camera body an RF signal; communicating the RF signal via awired connection to an antenna external to the camera body; andwirelessly communicating the RF signal from the external antenna to theone or more remote photographic flash devices.

In yet another embodiment, a system for controlling one or more remotephotographic flash devices from a camera is provided. The systemincludes a camera body having wireless communication circuitry withinthe camera body that does not interfere with the camera body functioningas a camera; an electrical pathway operatively connecting the wirelesscommunication circuitry to a control of the camera providing a flashsynchronization signal, the wireless communication circuitry configuredto generate an RF signal in response to receiving a flashsynchronization signal; and an antenna element external to the camerabody, the antenna element connected via a wired connection to thewireless communication circuitry, the wireless communication circuitryconfigured to communicate the RF signal to the antenna element forwireless communication to the one or more remote photographic flashdevices.

In still another embodiment, a system for controlling one or more remotephotographic flash devices from a camera is provided. The systemincludes a camera body having one or more camera controls; a wirelesscommunication circuitry within said camera body and operativelyconnected to at least one of said one or more camera controls; and anexternal antenna element removably connected to a port on an externalsurface of the camera body, said port connected via a wired connectionto the wireless communication circuitry, said wireless communicationcircuitry including one or more circuit elements sensing the presence ofsaid external antenna and switching said wireless communicationcircuitry to an active state when said external antenna is present andto an inactive state when said external antenna is not present.

Other features, utilities and advantages of various embodiments of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of embodiments of the invention as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show one ormore forms of the invention. However, it should be understood that thepresent invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that shows the flow of signals within oneembodiment of the wireless communication module of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front right isometric view of a camera containing oneembodiment of the wireless communication module of the present inventionincluding a removably attachable antenna connected to the PC connectorport on the camera;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a camera including one embodiment of thewireless communication module of the present invention and devices thattypically communicate with the module;

FIG. 4 is a phantom front isometric view of a typical camera that showsthe positioning of one embodiment of the wireless communication moduleof the present invention and associated detachable antenna;

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of one embodiment of the wirelesscommunication module of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a partial side section view taken along line 5B-5B of FIG.5A;

FIG. 6A is similar to FIG. 2, except that it shows the placement andrange of motion of an antenna when installed in the PC connector port ofa camera;

FIG. 6B is a side section view taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram that shows the elements of one embodiment ofthe wireless communication module of the present invention andassociated elements of the camera with which the module is connected;and

FIGS. 8A-8D are installation drawings showing the various stages ofinstallation of one embodiment of the wireless communication module ofthe present invention in a camera.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The wireless communication module of the present invention adds wirelesscontrol functionality to existing devices, for example cameras. Themodule is inserted in a device that was originally designed without, orwith different, remote control functionality. A device including themodule can remotely operate other devices using the existing controls ofthe device. The module enables a user to remotely operate externaldevices without any cables running back to the device. It also allows auser to remotely operate other devices that include the wirelesscommunication module.

In one embodiment, the module is installed in a camera and is used toadd wireless flashpack and wireless camera controls to the camera. Themodule permits a user to remotely fire flashpacks without any cablesrunning back to the camera. In addition, a camera including a wirelesscommunication module may be remotely controlled and/or programmed byanother camera including a module and vice versa. Depending upon thecontrol command sent, a module inserted in one camera could also be usedto remotely change the shutter speed or some other setting of a secondcamera containing a module.

Referring to FIG. 1, wireless communication module 2 serves as anintermediary device between the controls 3 of a first device 4, thefirst device, and one or more remote devices 5. FIG. 1 is a blockdiagram that illustrates the general flow of communication signals inmodule 2. In operation, module 2 intercepts signals 6 as they flow fromcontrols 3 of first device 4 to other elements of the first device(e.g., signals generated from user interface inputs). Next, module 2translates signals 6 and generates corresponding signals 7 in responseto signals 6 received from first device 4. The corresponding signals 7are transmitted to remote devices 5 via a transmitter, transceiver, orsimilar mechanism and or back to first device 4 itself.

Module 2 may also receive signals 8 from remote device 5 via a receiver(not shown). In receiver mode, module 2 translates signals 8 andgenerates corresponding signals 7 to send to first device 4.

FIGS. 2-3 illustrate a camera 10 including one embodiment of thewireless communication module 2 of the present invention. Notably, thewireless communication module 2 resides entirely within the housing 11of camera 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the only feature that allows oneto detect the presence of the wireless communication module 2 withincamera 10 is the presence of an external antenna 12 connected to a PCconnector 14 on the face 16 of the camera. As described more fullybelow, when module 2 is not in use, antenna 12 may be detached therebyremoving structural signs indicating the presence of a wirelesscommunication module 2 within camera housing 11. When module 2 is not inuse, camera 10 will generally function normally but without wirelesscommunication functionality.

FIG. 3 illustrates typical devices that may communicate with wirelesscommunication module 2 of the present invention installed in housing 11of camera 10. One such device is a receiver device 18 that can beattached to the exterior of a camera 20 that does not include the modulethereby allowing camera 10 to control certain functions of camera 20.Alternatively, receiver device 18 may be connected to a remote flashdevice or flashpack 22. In the instance where a flashpack 22 has eithera wireless communication module 2 installed therein, or other receivingmeans installed therein, camera 10 may communicate directly with aflashpack 22.

Two or more cameras having wireless communication module 2 maycommunicate with one another. A user can send and receive messagesbetween two cameras 10 and 10 having modules 2 thereby allowing a userto wirelessly trigger either of the two cameras using the controls ofthe other camera. A user will also be able to alter the settings of onecamera using the controls of another camera wirelessly.

Wireless communication module 2 can also be used to wirelesslycommunicate with other external devices such as a spray bottle 24 orother mechanical device that includes reception capabilities. In theexample of a camera 10 outfitted with module 2, the ability to actuateexternal devices such as spray bottles or other mechanical deviceswirelessly may be beneficial to photographers trying to preciselycapture events related to the external device. For example, aphotographer might want to capture an image of vapor droplets as theyexit the nozzle of a spray bottle. As one can recognize, the ability toprecisely control the time that the vapor droplets exit the nozzle willenable a user to more precisely capture the image of those droplets.Although the examples described herein are in relation to a camera, oneskilled in the art will recognize that wireless communication module 2can also be used in myriad devices other than cameras to provide suchdevices with wireless communication functionality.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate one embodiment of wireless communication module 2as installed in camera 10. Module 2 typically resides within camerahousing 11 on the side of the housing adjacent PC connector 14.Removable antenna 12, which is removably attachable to PC connector 14,is adapted for use with module 2 and transmits signals to and from themodule via a connection 27 between the module and the PC connector.Module 2 includes a head portion 28 that contains two substantiallycircular flex connectors 29. When installed in camera 10, head portion28 is folded over so that it is substantially perpendicular to theremaining portions of module 2. In certain cameras (such as a Nikon®D1), the screws (not shown) that both connect upper portion 30 of camerahousing 11 to lower portion 32 of the camera housing serve as a path forelectrical signals between the camera controls housed in the upperportion of the camera housing and the mechanical controls housed in thelower portion of the camera housing. Module 2 takes advantage of thisfunctionality by providing apertures 33 in flex connectors 29. When thescrews used to secure together upper portion 30 and lower portion 32 arereceived in apertures 33, flex connectors 29 permit wirelesscommunication module 2 to intercept the electronic signals transferredbetween the camera controls and the mechanical controls in camera 10. Incameras that do not utilize body screws as a conduit for electricalsignals, module 2 may be more directly connected to the camera controlsusing any appropriate means including soldered connections or otherwise.

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of one embodiment of wireless communicationmodule 2 similar to that installed in camera 10 of FIG. 4. Generally,module 2 is defined by a base 34, typically a circuit board thatincludes three main portions: a substantially rectangular body portion36; a narrow throat or neck portion 38; and, as noted above, asubstantially square head portion 28. In at least one embodiment, base34 is a 6-layer ridged flex circuit board. This embodiment has manyground layers to keep all digital signals clean and isolated from the RFsignals.

Surface 37 of body portion 36 typically includes module microchips 40and other electrical connections. Microchips 40 and other electricalconnections typically include at least a central processing unit (CPU)41, module controls 42, and a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver chip43 to provide wireless communication capabilities within module 2, asdescribed in more detail below. Although the entire module 2,illustrated in FIG. 5A, is typically fabricated of a non-rigid material,throat 38 and head portions 28 are particularly flexible to allow thehead portion to be bent at a substantially perpendicular angle to bodyportion 36. Connection 27 is also joined with module controls 42 on oneend and with PC connector 14 at the other end thereby providing theaforementioned electrical connection between module 2 and antenna 12connected to PC connector 14.

Module 2 is substantially rectangular in shape as illustrated in FIG.5A. One skilled in the art, however, will recognize that module 2 can bedeveloped in virtually any shape to fit the specific geometricalconstraints of the device in which it is located.

FIG. 5B is a partial side section view of one flex connector 29. Thelatter includes electrical contacts 80 and 82 provided on top surface 37and bottom surface 84 of head portion 28. In addition, electricalconnectors 86 and 88 are also formed on top and bottom surfaces 37 and84. Electrical connectors 86 and 88 electrically connect contacts 80 and82, respectively, with other areas on base 34. In at least oneembodiment, a contact relay 90 that connects relays 86 and 88 may alsobe present in base 34. In an embodiment without contact relay connect90, signals intercepted by contact 80 may be processed separately fromsignals intercepted by contact 82, and vice versa.

In operation, contacts 80 and or contacts 82 may intercept signals fromthe controls of device 4. The intercepted signals are sent via relays 86and 88 to CPU 41 of module 2 and then returned to the device and ortransmitted to a remote device via transceiver 43.

FIG. 6A-6B illustrate antenna 12 and its connection to PC connector 14.In one embodiment, antenna 12 is a copper-plated coiled spring 13covered with a thin molded rubber cover 15 for protection. The exposedend of the copper-plated coiled spring is soldered to a male PCconnector 17 before molding.

Antenna 12 is very easily connected to camera 10 by simply plugging theantenna into PC connector 14 on face 11 of the camera. As indicated bythe dashed lines in FIG. 6A, antenna 12 is rotatably joined with PCconnector 14. Such a connection allows a user flexibility in positioningantenna 12 at the most effective location for transmitting and receivingsignals and allows the antenna to be positioned so as to accommodate theuser's handling of the camera.

When not using the wireless transmission functionality of wirelesscommunication module 2, antenna 12 can easily be removed from PCconnector 14. Conversely, antenna 12 can be re-attached to PC connector14 just as easily when the functionality of the wireless communicationmodule is desired.

As mentioned above, and illustrated in FIG. 7, the wirelesscommunication module of the present invention includes a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 41. A CPU used in one embodiment of the inventionis an in-system programmable microcontroller manufactured by Atmel ofSan Jose, Calif. and identified by model number AT90S8515. Other logicdevices may also be satisfactorily employed as CPU 41. CPU 41 includesfirmware for communicating with the camera controls. As describedherein, reference will be made to actions taken by CPU 41. As oneskilled in the art understands, the firmware program stored within CPU41 is actually responsible for dictating the operations performed by theCPU.

FIG. 7 illustrates the flow of data and the interaction between thecontrols of camera 10 and one embodiment of module 2 via the flexconnector 29, CPU 41, and external devices via antenna 12. In thisparticular embodiment, module 2 includes a transceiver chip 43 orequivalent device capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals usedin the communication of information between a camera 10 including module2 and other devices such as a flashpack 22 (FIG. 3). A suitabletransceiver chip 43 is manufactured by RF Micro Devices, Inc. ofGreensboro, N.C., and is identified by model number RF2915. Although RFsignals are utilized in one particular embodiment, the present inventionencompasses all wireless communication technologies including cellularand infrared technologies.

In one embodiment, in transmission mode, transceiver chip 43 (indicatedby dashed line in FIG. 7) of module 2 uses on/off keying (OOK) of areference signal provided via line 52 that can be programmed anywherebetween 344.04 MHz and 354.04 MHz with both 15 us and 25 us bit times(i.e., time it takes to transfer one bit) as its signaling means. Ofcourse in other embodiments, phase shift keying (PSK) or frequency shiftkeying (FSK) may be used instead of OOK. The reference signal on line 52is derived from a phase lock loop (PLL) 54 circuit that is controlledfrom CPU 41. A single 4.000 MHz crystal 56 is used both to providereference input to CPU 41 and as the reference clock for PLL 54. CPU 41sends a transmission enable signal along line 58 to start transmissionof signals. PLL 54 has a lock detect output (not shown) that ismonitored by CPU 41 to ensure reference signal 52 is on frequency beforetransmission is enabled.

PLL 54 sends the reference signal and line 52 to a voltage controlledoscillator (VCO) 55 connected to PLL 54. VCO 55 develops a signalcarrier from the reference signal and sends the signal carrier on line53 to a power amp 60. Power amp 60 amplifies the RF signal carried bythe signal carrier.

In operation, when a trigger (i.e., a sync pulse) comes in from camera10, via flex connector 29, CPU 41 enables the transmitter circuitcontained in transceiver chip 43. CPU 41 then shifts out a serialcommand code by modulating a power amp 60 on and off. A logic 1 isrepresented by carrier on and a logic 0 by carrier off. When amp 60 ispowered off during the 0 bits, the signal level drops by about 70 dB.The harmonics are kept low by way of a band pass filter 62 on the outputof power amp 60 and by keeping the transmitter amplifier power levelabout 10 dB below its P1dB limit. RF output power into antenna 12 isless than −5 dBm.

Every command code is sent twice (or more) with a pause in between. Thisis to increase reliability and also to keep the average duty cycle low.

In receive mode, CPU 41 enables a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 64 and mixer66 built into transceiver chip 43. An indicator 68 known as the receivedsignal strength indicator (RSSI) is monitored by the CPU's internalanalog comparator to look for proper bit patterns from the transmittercircuit within transceiver chip 43. Band pass filter 70 is positionedbetween mixer 66 and RSSI 68 for removing unwanted frequencies. PLL 54is set 10.7 MHz below the frequency that is being monitored. As can beassumed from the previous sentence, the intermediate frequency (IFfrequency) is 10.7 MHz. Band pass filters 62 and 70 offer greatselectivity to the IF section of transceiver chip 43. When implementedas 230 KHz ceramic band pass filters, filters 62 and 70 providesensitivity in transceiver chip 43 of about −94 dBm for S/N of 12 dB.

A shield (not shown) is generally provided covering the entire RFsection of body section 36 of module 28 to eliminate any signal leakagefrom PLL 54 to the outside. As the body of camera 10 is typically madeof metal, additional shielding is provided. Of course, where the body isnot made of metal, additional shielding materials may be provided asnecessary.

Module 2 uses a linear voltage regulator IC 72 to maintain 3.3V internalfrom the camera's batteries 74. In one embodiment, module 2 draws about13 mA while in receive mode and about 16 mA peak in the transmit mode.When the power switch (not shown) of camera 10 is turned off, module 2goes into sleep mode where current draw is dropped to about 1 mA. Sincea typical camera battery 74 is rated for about 2000 mA-H, module 2 has avery small effect on overall battery drain.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 6B and 7, in one embodiment, module 2 isautomatically activated when male connector pin 17 of antenna 12 isattached to PC connector 14. Other activation approaches, e.g., viacontrols of camera 10, are also encompassed by the present invention. Aninductor 76 (FIG. 6B), e.g., a 470 mH inductor in one embodiment of theinvention, is connected from antenna 12 to the ground connection (notshown) of PC connector 14 via antenna contact 77 (FIG. 6B). Inductor 76has an inductance chosen to have a resonance at 350 MHz so that it lookslike an open circuit to the RF signal, but presents a short circuit toground at low DC frequencies. As one skilled in the art will understand,alternate devices such as capacitors, resistors, or similar mechanismsmay be used in place of inductor 76. In such embodiments, activation andor deactivation of module 2 may be based on electrical events other thana short circuit (e.g., the measured current across an alternate device).This short circuit is typically detected by CPU 41 and is used to enableor disable radio operation. If the short circuit is not detected by CPU41, module 2 knows antenna 12 is not connected. Antenna 12 is typicallydesigned to have a resistance of about 50 ohms for easy productiontesting. As mentioned above, the bodies of many cameras are made ofmetal alloy, which also makes for a good ground for antenna 12.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate one method of installing module 2 in a camerasuch as a Nikon D1. FIG. 8A shows camera 10 without module 2 installed.First, upper portion 30 of housing 11 is substantially detached fromlower portion 32 of housing 11 thereby exposing the inside 80 of bothportions 30, 32.

Next, wireless communication module 2 is inserted into lower portion 32so that it will reside adjacent PC connector 14 when portions 30, 32 arereconnected. When inserted, top 28 of module 2 is closer to upperportion 30. Additionally, the width (Wm) of module 2 is typicallyoriented relative to the width (Wc) of a sidewall 91 so that surface 37of module 2 is co-planar to sidewall 33. Of course, in devices otherthan the one illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D, module 2 may be located andoriented in any manner within the device in order to facilitateconnection of the module to the particular device's controls.

After insertion of module 2, head portion 28 is folded over so that itis substantially perpendicular to the remaining portions 36, 38 ofmodule 2. At the same time, flex connectors 29 formed in head portion 28are positioned so apertures 33 are aligned with the female screw holes(not shown) formed on lower portion 32 so that when upper and lowerportions 30, 32 are reconnected, the screws joining them together passthrough apertures 33 flex connectors 29. As a result, contacts 80 and 82of flex connector 29 are electrically connected so as to receive cameracontrol signals carried by the camera screws in apertures 33. Solderedconnections are typically made to connect camera 10's power supply tomodule 2 and connect antenna wire 27 to PC connector 14 inside housing16 of camera 10. Of course, as one skilled in the art will understand,there are myriad ways to connect module 2 to camera 10 other thansoldered connections. After module 2 is joined with camera 10, upperportion 30 is reconnected to lower portion 32 thereby enclosing module 2within body 16 of camera 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 8D, in one embodiment, the remote controlfunctionality of module 2 is activated by attaching antenna 12 to PCconnector 14 on housing 11 of camera 10, as described above.

As discussed above, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D, thescrews and screw holes (not shown) that hold upper and lower portions 30and 32 of camera body 16 together also serve as a communication path fortransferring electrical signals between module 2 and the controls ofcamera 10. However, in other embodiments, screws may not be used to holda camera's body together and therefore will not be available to serve asa point of connection with module 2. Alternative ways of creating aconnection between module 2 and the controls of the device in which itresides are contemplated by the present invention. One such way is thedirect connection (via soldering or similar methods of connection) of awire from the camera controls to module 2.

As described herein, the wireless communication module 2 of the presentinvention is particularly suited for use with photographic equipment.FIG. 3 shows several different photographic applications of the wirelesscommunication module of the present invention. However, as one skilledin the art will recognize, the wireless communication module of thepresent invention can be used in conjunction with any device thatincludes controls capable of communicating with CPU 41. Also, asdescribed herein, wireless communication module 2 is also referred to asmicrocontroller radio card 2. As further described herein,microcontroller radio card 2 is but one embodiment of a wirelesscommunication module of the present invention. Other embodiments mayincludes non-RF transmission technologies as explained herein.

In addition, although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 and describedabove delineates specific transmission frequencies, etc., one skilled inthe art recognizes that other embodiments of the present invention mayinclude any frequencies that provide acceptable transmission andreception of signals and are allowed by law.

Wireless communication module 2 of the present invention offersadvantages over prior art devices because it makes it possible toconvert a previously non-wireless device to a device having fullwireless communication functionality. In addition, the original devicedoes not have to be substantially altered or modified. Of course, thewireless communication module may be altered to fit within variousgeometrical configurations. Changes to the original device such asmodifications to firmware or software or minor physical alterations toensure the module will fit within the original device are not consideredsubstantial alterations or modifications as defined herein. Rather,substantial modifications include comprehensive modifications to thestructure of the original device that require new molding of theoriginal device body, changes that substantially impact the costs ofmanufacturing the modified device as compared to the original device,and or changes that substantially impact the amount of time it takes tomanufacture the modified device as compared to the original device.Nothing in the art exists to allow for such enhancements in existingdevices.

While chip 43 is primarily described as providing RF signals, it is tobe appreciated that the present invention encompasses the use of a chipthat transmits and receives other signal types. These other signal typesinclude infrared, sound, cellular, magnetic, and light pulse.

As a result, certain embodiments of the present invention have beendisclosed and discussed herein, although it should be understood thatthe present invention is not limited to these (or any other) particularembodiment. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to coverall alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A method for controlling one or more remote photographic flashdevices from a camera body, the method comprising: electricallyreceiving a flash synchronization signal internal to the camera body;using the flash synchronization signal to generate within the camerabody an RF signal; communicating the RF signal via a wired connection toan antenna external to the camera body, wherein said communicating ofthe RF signal via a wired connection includes communicating the RFsignal to a port having an external connector on the camera body towhich the antenna is connected, the external connector being a PC flashsynchronization connector; and wirelessly communicating the RF signalfrom the external antenna to the one or more remote photographic flashdevices.
 2. A method according to claim 1, further comprisingcontrolling the one or more remote photographic flash devices inresponse to the one or more remote photographic flash devices receivingthe RF signal.
 3. A method according to claim 2, further comprisingusing the camera to take a first photograph in conjunction with saidtriggering the one or more remote photographic flash devices.
 4. Amethod according to claim 3, further comprising using the camera to takea second photograph in conjunction with a second triggering of the oneor more remote photographic flash devices associated with repeating thesteps of the method of claim
 1. 5. A method according to claim 1,wherein said flash synchronization signal is generated in response to auser interface input.
 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein theantenna is removably connected to the exterior of the camera body.
 7. Amethod according to claim 1, wherein said receiving a flashsynchronization signal includes intercepting the flash synchronizationsignal as it flows from a camera control to one or more other componentsof the camera body.
 8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the one ormore other components of the camera body includes an external port ofthe camera body.
 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the externalport is a PC flash synchronization connector.
 10. A method according toclaim 7, wherein said intercepting does not interfere with the normalfunction of the camera.
 11. A method according to claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving a second RF signal at the antenna; and using thesecond RF signal to generate within the camera body a secondcorresponding signal to one or more camera controls of the camera body.12. A system for controlling one or more remote photographic flashdevices from a camera, the system comprising: a camera body havingwireless communication circuitry within the camera body that does notinterfere with the camera body functioning as a camera; an electricalpathway operatively connecting the wireless communication circuitry to acontrol of the camera providing a flash synchronization signal, thewireless communication circuitry configured to generate an RF signal inresponse to receiving a flash synchronization signal; and an antennaelement external to the camera body, the antenna element connected via awired connection to the wireless communication circuitry, the wiredconnection including an external port connector of the camera body, theexternal port connector being a PC flash synchronization connector, thewireless communication circuitry configured to communicate the RF signalto the antenna element for wireless communication to the one or moreremote photographic flash devices.
 13. A system according to claim 12,wherein the electrical pathway intercepts the flash synchronizationsignal as it flows from the control of the camera to one or more othercomponents of the camera body.
 14. A system according to claim 13,wherein the one or more other components of the camera body includes anexternal port of the camera body.
 15. A system according to claim 12,wherein the antenna element is removably connected to the camera body.16. A system for controlling one or more remote photographic flashdevices from a camera, the system comprising: a camera body having oneor more camera controls; a wireless communication circuitry within saidcamera body and operatively connected to at least one of said one ormore camera controls; and an external antenna element removablyconnected to a port on an external surface of the camera body, said portbeing a flash synchronization connector, said port connected via a wiredconnection to the wireless communication circuitry, said wirelesscommunication circuitry including one or more circuit elements sensingthe presence of said external antenna and switching said wirelesscommunication circuitry to an active state when said external antenna ispresent and to an inactive state when said external antenna is notpresent.
 17. A system according to claim 16, wherein said port is a PCsynchronization connector.
 18. A system according to claim 16, whereinsaid at least one of said one or more camera controls includes a flashsynchronization camera control that provides a flash synchronizationsignal.
 19. A system according to claim 18, wherein the wirelesscommunication circuitry includes circuitry for communicating the flashsynchronization indication to the external antenna element in the formof an RF signal for wireless communication to a remote flash device. 20.A method for controlling one or more remote photographic flash devicesfrom a camera body, the method comprising: electrically receiving aflash synchronization signal internal to the camera body, said receivinga flash synchronization signal including intercepting the flashsynchronization signal as it flows from a camera control to one or moreother components of the camera body, the one or more other components ofthe camera body including an external port of the camera body, theexternal port being a PC flash synchronization connector; using theflash synchronization signal to generate within the camera body an RFsignal; communicating the RF signal via a wired connection to an antennaexternal to the camera body; and wirelessly communicating the RF signalfrom the external antenna to the one or more remote photographic flashdevices.
 21. A method according to claim 20, further comprisingcontrolling the one or more remote photographic flash devices inresponse to the one or more remote photographic flash devices receivingthe RF signal.
 22. A method according to claim 21, further comprisingusing the camera to take a first photograph in conjunction with saidtriggering the one or more remote photographic flash devices.
 23. Amethod according to claim 22, further comprising using the camera totake a second photograph in conjunction with a second triggering of theone or more remote photographic flash devices associated with repeatingthe steps of the method of claim
 20. 24. A method according to claim 20,wherein said flash synchronization signal is generated in response to auser interface input.
 25. A method according to claim 20, wherein theantenna is removably connected to the exterior of the camera body.
 26. Amethod according to claim 20, further comprising: receiving a second RFsignal at the antenna; and using the second RF signal to generate withinthe camera body a second corresponding signal to one or more cameracontrols of the camera body.